McDonald's to provide specifics on source of flavorings following outcry

OAK BROOK, Ill. (AP) -- McDonald's announced Monday it will begin providing the specific source -- dairy, meat or vegetable -- of the natural flavorings in some menu items, to address customer requests and complaints.

The information will be available on the company's Web site and in pamphlets in its restaurants.

The company had used the current state and federal guidelines for labeling, a system that does not specifically describe the nature of a "natural flavor."

"Some of our customers have told us that current state and federal labeling standards do not give them as much information as they want to answer their dietary questions," said McDonald's Ken Koziol in a statement.

The new policy pertains to McDonald's permanent menu and not promotional or seasonal items, officials said.

Late this spring, vegetarians in Seattle and Houston filed separate lawsuits against McDonald's accusing the corporation of using beef flavoring in french fries despite promises that it would use vegetable oil. News reports on the case also outraged some Hindus in India, who smashed windows at McDonald's franchises in protest.